New Camden Brew seeks chemistry with ale lovers

CAMDEN — Finding the right ingredients and properly brewing a perfect ice-cold beverage is part of Dan Woodall’s background.

After all, he’s been a chemist for a quarter-century, with the state and in the private sector, so he knows a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t.

It’s what led Mr. Woodall to open the Camden Brew Co. microbrewery at 169 Old Camden Road on the Fourth of July.

Inside the quaint light-green building is the machinery that makes Camden Brew’s main attraction — the very light, Germany-inspired Kolsch — and that allows the state’s newest beer maker to take its first steps.

Kolsch is currently the only beer being made at Camden Brew. The beverage takes about three-and-a-half months to properly develop.

“This took a lot of effort,” Mr. Woodall said about opening an alehouse. “It took about three years to bring this effort to fruition. I’m just a man who likes to brew. I have a master’s degree in chemistry, so I figure that kind of goes hand in hand.”

He added that he is proud to feature Kolsch as his only beer so far.

“I’m not scared,” he said. “As the owner, I have only one wish, and that is to provide people with icy cold, delicious beer. Beer has to be properly matured and not rushed through the system. Beer is like fine wine and champagne: It has to be properly aged.”

Mr. Woodall is hoping his venture into the brewing business will inspire others to follow their dreams.

“I feel as though there’s not enough small businesses in Camden, and this is a town that needs small businesses,” he said. “The plan for Camden Brew is to give back to the community in any way that I can.”

The establishment includes a cozy bar at the front of the building but also a sprawling lawn, where visitors can sit at tables under pavilions.

Four employees offer drinks, and they served a crowd of around 120 during the business’s Independence Day opening.

“The staff has been doing an amazing job,” Mr. Woodall said. “I have absolutely no worries when it comes to my staff. They’re amazing people.”

Leila Porterfield is one of the servers, and she said she is enjoying every minute of the job.

“It has been really, really fun,” she said. “The community here is really nice, and it’s nice to see all the families come out and have a good time and enjoy themselves. Dan is amazing. He’s such a good guy. He’s always wanting to help people.

“Word of mouth goes a long way (toward getting people) here, which is good to see.”

Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org . Follow @MikeFinneyDSN on X.